PHARMACOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION 

Bronchodilator

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Salbutamol is a relatively selective beta-2 adrenoreceptor stimulant. After oral and parenteral administration, stimulation of the beta receptors in the body, both beta-1 and beta-2, occurs because (a) beta-2 selectivity is not absolute, and (b) higher concentrations of salbutamol occur in the regions of these receptors with these modes of administration. The pharmacologic effects of beta-adrenergic agonist drugs, including salbutamol, are at least in part attributable to stimulation through beta-adrenergic receptors of intracellular adenyl cyclase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic-3,5-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP). Increased cyclic AMP levels are associated with relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and inhibition of release of mediators of immediate hypersensitivity from cells, especially from mast cells. 

PHARMACOKINETICS

 Salbutamol is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is subject to first-pass metabolism in the liver and possibly in the gut wall; the main metabolite is an inactive sulfate conjugate. Salbutamol is rapidly excreted in the urine as metabolites and unchanged drug; there is some excretion in the faeces. The plasma half-life of Salbutamol has been estimated to range from 4 to 6 hours. 

INDICATIONS

 Salbutamol is indicated for the treatment of

·          Asthma

·          Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

·          Bronchitis 

PATIENT INFORMATION: 

BEFORE YOU TAKE SALBUTAMOL ORAL SOLUTION

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you have a history of heart problems (eg, fast or irregular heartbeat, heart failure), blood vessel problems, high blood pressure, or low blood potassium levels
• if you have a history of seizures, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, kidney problems, or an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma)
• if you have ever had an unusual reaction to another sympathomimetic medicine (eg, pseudoephedrine)
• if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) or tricyclic antidepressant (eg, amitriptyline), or if you have taken either of these medicines within the last 14 days

HOW TO TAKE SALBUTAMOL ORAL SOLUTION

 You must take your medicine as the doctor tells you. It is important to take

 Salbutamol Oral Solution at the right time.  Your doctor will decide which is the best dose for you, depending on your illness. Adults and Children Over 14 Years of Age: The usual starting dosage for adults and children over 14 years of age is 2 mg (1 teaspoonful) or 4 mg (2 teaspoonfuls) three or four times a day.

Children Over 6 Years to 14 Years of Age: The usual starting dosage for children over 6 years to 14 years of age is 2 mg (1 teaspoonful) three or four times a day.

Children 2 to 5 Years of Age: Dosing in children 2 to 5 years of age should be initiated at 0.1 mg/kg of body weight three times a day. This starting dosage should not exceed 2 mg (1 teaspoonful) three times a day.

IF YOU MISS A DOSETake it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, do not take the one you missed. Take the next dose at the usual time.  Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed. If you miss more than one dose, or you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.  

WHAT TO DO IF AN OVERDOSE IS TAKEN

  If you accidentally take too much syrup, contact your doctor or nearest hospital accident department immediately. 

TAKING OTHER MEDICINE

• Please tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without prescription, like:

Ø        medicines used to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions

 Ø        cough and cold preparations

Ø        weight reducing medicines